Seanad debates

Thursday, 3 April 2003

There is a problem with a growing lack of respect. People want their rights without recognising those of other people. I walked past the protest outside Leinster House yesterday. Those people have a legitimate right to protest, which I admire and respect. Some 95% to 97% of those people wanted a free and violence-free protest, but 5% of those present went out to cause grievances and antagonise the gardaí. I raised this matter two weeks ago when I observed a man with a megaphone – which I could do with for my church gate speeches – who was inciting people to riot. I cannot understand why he was not arrested for a public order offence. I pay tribute to the gardaí and the riot squad. Although I do not like to see the riot squad on the street, it is necessary and it makes me, and 99.5% of the decent people, feel secure.

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